Turmeric: Phytonutrient protection for
a variety of physiological stresses
This
article first appeared in the
May/June, 1996
issue of VRP's Nutritional News
by Oiver Starr
Many phytonutrient products are released to the public with not even one hundredth the research that has been conducted with turmeric. It is one of the longest used compounds in the Indian practice of Ayurvedic medicine, and for decades has been consistently demonstrated as efficacious for the treatment of a wide range of ailments (in a clinical setting).
Most recently turmeric has been studied for its effects upon human diseases. Research has shown that turmeric extracts compare very favorably with a great number of pharmacologic agents for treatment in a number of areas including:
· Inflammation
· Cancer
· Cholesterol Reduction
· Antimutagenic Effects
· Powerful Antioxidant Activity
· Reduction in Serum Triglycerides
While it may seem surprising that a single substance can have so many diverse benefits, if we examine the components of turmeric we gain a better understanding of the way in which it affects the various processes associated with a number of disease states.
Curcuminoids
In technical terms, the active constituents of
turmeric also called Curcuma longa are known as curcuminoids. A yellow
pigmented substance isolated from the rhizome (root) of Curcuma longa, it
contains approximately 3% to 5% active curcuminoids. It is this group of
compounds that are responsible for the biological action of turmeric. This
active extract can be further subdivided into three distinct components:
Curcumin, Demethoxy-curcumin and Bisdemethoxy curcumin.
While each of these chemicals has independent antioxidant activity, research conducted by the Sabinsa Corporation has demonstrated that the most significant benefits are achieved with the intact, naturally occurring curcuminoid complex.
Virtually all of the benefits derived from curcuminoids stem from their varied antioxidant activities. Curcumin extracts have been found to have the following antioxidant interactions:
· They scavenge or neutralize free radicals.
· They interact with the oxidative cascade and prevent its outcome.
· They quench singlet oxygen, thus making it less available for oxidative reactions.
· They are capable of inhibiting oxidative enzymes like cytochrome P-450.
· They chelate and thus disarm the oxidative properties of metals such as iron which can contribute to both oxidative damage and free radical formation.
Because curcuminoids act through both intervention and preventative means they are accordingly among the most potent of the known antioxidants.
A complete discussion of the benefits of turmeric extract (with standardized active curcuminoid content) is beyond the scope of this review, there are, nevertheless, several particular actions that deserve special mention.
Anti-inflammatory Action
Perhaps turmeric's most well known and most
obvious benefit is its anti-inflammatory action. In fact, turmeric has been
found to equal, and in many cases exceed, the benefits associated with both
cortisone and phenylbutazone treatment. This effect was found both in human and
animal studies. Additionally, in clinical trials of persons suffering from
rheumatoid arthritis, subjects treated with curcuminoids experienced a
significant improvement. This effect was noted at a dosage of 1200 mg per day
for five to six weeks.
Antioxidant Value
No review of turmeric would be complete without making specific reference to
its most significant benefit, that of an antioxidant. While you may be aware
that numerous studies have confirmed turmeric's ability to quench both
superoxide and peroxyl radicals, what you may not know is that turmeric was
found to be over 5 times more potent than alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) at
quenching a wide range of free radicals. Since many researchers attribute much
of the aging process to the incessant damage caused by free radicals and the
subsequent decline in the body's ability to effectively regenerate damaged
cells, turmeric
certainly bears at least thorough consideration for inclusion into your daily
supplement routine.
Antimutagenic Effects
Curcumin extracts have also undergone
considerable scrutiny for their antimutagenic effects. This is especially
important in light of the fact that it is the progressive mutation of cells
that ultimately results in the development of tumors. In laboratory studies,
animals treated with turmeric who were challenged by known carcinogens excreted
lower levels of mutagenic metabolites as well as carcinogens than comparably
challenged control animals.
This antimutagenic and anti cancer effect has repercussions beyond mere prevention. Studies are currently underway that are comparing the efficacy of curcuminoid treatment and examining the potential of turmeric components as an adjunct to currently practiced cancer therapies.
Triglyceride Levels
Last, but certainly not least, is turmeric's effect
on serum triglyceride levels. In one study, healthy humans were given 500 mg of
curcuminoids daily for seven days. Results showed a decrease of 33% in blood
lipid peroxides as well as a 29% reduction in levels of serum cholesterol. The
authors of the study stated that they felt these results were indicative of a
potential role of curcuminoids as a heart disease preventative.
With volumes of research being generated each year on curcuminoids, one thing is certain: we will uncover more and more compelling reasons why turmeric ought to be incorporated into our supplements and added to our supplement programs. With all the potential benefits that can be attributed to curcuminoid intake we at Vitamin Research Products feels it is imperative that we offer our customers the highest quality curcuminoid extract available. Our standardized turmeric extract product contains a minimum of 95% curcuminoids including: 83.2% curcumin, 9.2% demethoxycurcumin, and 2.6% bisdemethoxy curcumin.
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Vitamin Research Products, Inc. |
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